Offshore wind plant to bring jobs boost to Montrose
The new facility will manufacture parts for offshore wind farms in Scottish waters and for overseas markets.
An offshore wind turbine plant is set to be established at the Port of Montrose, creating around 80 jobs. The construction site, to be managed by engineering firm Subsea Micropiles, has received a £5 million investment from the firm itself, with additional funds of £6.7 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank. Scottish Enterprise has also pledged £1.45 million.
First Minister John Swinney, during a visit to the site, highlighted that the project would ensure the benefits of the energy transition remain in Scotland. He welcomed the announcement from SSE regarding the Port of Montrose's preferred location for an operations base for the Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm, which is anticipated to generate an additional 100 jobs. The Berwick project, expected to be one of the largest wind farms globally, will feature up to 307 turbines capable of powering up to six million homes.
Subsea Micropiles, which already operates in Ireland and Aberdeenshire, plans to manufacture turbine components for both Scottish and international markets at the new facility. CEO Derek Robertson stated that Scotland has become a crucial hub for their growth, relying on the region's skilled workforce and technological expertise. He added that the company's products can be manufactured locally, potentially retaining substantial economic benefits in Scotland through engineering, vessel services, and offshore supply chains.
Swinney emphasized that Scotland is already a leader in floating offshore wind development. The investments in the new announcements serve as a strong endorsement of the sector and the region's skilled workforce, innovation, and expertise. The firm's commitment to expanding at the Port of Montrose will ensure that more economic advantages of the energy transition are retained in Scotland, generating high-quality jobs in Angus and the North East, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the region's industrial capabilities.
Swinney also noted that SSE's selection of Montrose as the preferred location for the Berwick project will further bolster Scotland's offshore wind supply chain, fostering additional jobs, investments in skills, infrastructure, and local communities.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
